Opposition leader seeks agreement with other parties on quick way out of political crisis

The leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party Jiří Paroubek has said he wants to meet with the heads of all the parties in parliament to agree on a way out of the current political crisis. He made the statement on Friday after meeting with Czech President Václav Klaus – one day after the country’s centre-right government tendered its resignation. Mr Paroubek said he would try to negotiate with others on an interim government, with the aim of leading the country to early elections. Those are also favoured by outgoing Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek. In addition, Mr Paroubek said his party would be prepared to put forward a bill on dissolving parliament – a move that would help pave the way for elections. Those could be held this autumn.